Excellence in Work as a Testimony of Faith
Devotional week 45
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” -Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV)
Lately, I have been hearing a lot about doing our work with excellence. But what does that really mean for us as followers of Christ? This topic can cause confusion if not properly understood. I believe that working with excellence can and should be done by keeping a few important points in mind.
True excellence begins in the heart. When we work with the desire to please God and not just people, everything changes. As Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). This transforms every task, no matter how small, into an act of worship.
As this desire takes root, it naturally produces integrity. Excellence is not only about the result but also about the path we take to get there. Doing what is right, even when no one is watching, reveals who we truly are. Integrity is the mark of those who belong to Christ. When our actions reflect our faith, we show the world who we follow.
Of course, excellence is not achieved in a moment. It grows through patience, discipline, and faithfulness in the small things. Jesus taught that whoever is faithful with little will be entrusted with much. On the hard days, when our efforts seem unseen or unappreciated, choosing to give our best is an expression of trust — saying to God, “I’m doing this for You.”
As excellence matures, it begins to overflow into service. Our work becomes more than a measure of productivity; it turns into an opportunity to bless others. When we work with humility, compassion, and love, Christ becomes visible through us.
I remember a friend, a tentmaker who works as an HR manager in a company in Asia. She once heard that one of her team members was having problems at home. Her husband felt neglected because of her long work hours. After praying about it, this manager decided to write the husband a handwritten letter. She thanked him for supporting his wife’s career and shared how valuable his wife’s contribution was to the company. She sent the letter along with a small bar of chocolate. The result was remarkable. That simple act had a deep impact not only on the employee but also on her husband.
That is the kind of excellence that goes beyond competence—the excellence that serves, encourages, and reflects the love of Christ in practical and meaningful ways.
Challenge
This week, look for a way to demonstrate Christ’s excellence through your attitude. It might be a caring gesture, a word of encouragement, or simply doing your work with more attention and love. May someone see Jesus through the way you work.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to work with excellence, not to seek recognition, but to bring glory to Your name. Give me wisdom to act with integrity, patience to remain constant, and a heart ready to serve. May every task I do today be an expression of Your love and a living testimony of Your presence in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.